What distinguishes volunteer formations of territorial communities (DFTG) from TRO units?

DFTGs were created under the Law on National Resistance (2021) and consist of civilians who sign volunteer contracts to patrol and protect communities. They are not part of the Armed Forces, have no military rank and receive no salary. While performing defence tasks, they are permitted to use personal or state‑issued arms. If they participate in combat with TRO approval, they must be temporarily incorporated into the Armed Forces to receive participant in hostilities status. In case of injury or death, DFTG members and their families are entitled to benefits similar to those for military personnel, but community volunteers do not automatically receive combatant or PiH status; contested cases are reviewed by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.